Apparatus, method, and program for image processing

Abstract

Resolution of an input image is converted more easily by using a method of AAM. For this purpose, a resolution conversion unit converts resolution of the image having been subjected to correction, and a face detection unit detects a face region in the resolution-converted image. A reconstruction unit fits to the face region detected by the face detection unit a mathematical model generated through the method of AAM using a plurality of sample images representing human faces having the same resolution as the image, and reconstructs an image representing the face region after the fitting. In this manner, an image whose resolution has been converted is obtained.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and an image processing method for converting resolution of an input image. The present invention also relates to a program for causing a computer to execute the image processing method. [0003] 2. Description of the Related Art [0004] Researches on statistical image processing have been in progress, with use of face images obtained by photography of human faces with a camera. By adopting such statistical image processing, a method of converting resolution of an input image has also been proposed (see U.S. Pat. No. 6,820,137). In this method, a group of face images are used as learning data, and the face images are modeled according to a method of AAM (Active Appearance Model). Based on the generated models, resolution of an input face image is converted. More specifically, the face images are hierarchized through conversion of the resolution thereof, and...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] The present invention has been conceived based on consideration of the above circumstances. An object of the present invention is therefore to more easily convert resolution of an input image by using a method of AAM.

[0027] According to the image processing method, the image processing apparatus, and the image processing program of the present invention, at least the predetermined structure in the input image is converted to have the desired resolution, and the image representing the structure is reconstructed after fitting to the structure in the resolution-converted input image the model representing the predetermined structure by the characteristic quantity obtained by the predetermined statistical processing on the plurality of images representing the structure in the same resolution as the desired resolution. Therefore, according to the present invention, no resolution conversion of an input image is carried out with use of a model, unlike the method described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,820,137. Consequently, any known method can be applied to the resolution conversion itself, and the resolution of the input image can be converted easily without complex processing.

[0029] In the case where the step (or the means) for detecting the structure in the input image is added, the structure can be detected automatically. Therefore, the image processing apparatus becomes easier to operate.

[0030] In the case where the plurality of models are prepared for the respective properties of the predetermined structure in the present invention while the steps (or the means) are added for obtaining the property of the structure in the input image and for selecting one of the models in accordance with the property having been obtained, if the reconstructed image is obtained by fitting the selected model to the structure in the input image, the structure in the input image can be fit to the model that is more suitable. Therefore, processing accuracy is improved.

Problems solved by technology

However, in the method described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,820,137, the resolution conversion of an input image is carried out with use of the models, which causes processing therefor to become complex.

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